Wow… Genuinely, I did not expect my question to come across as though I was jumping to conclusions. I was genuinely curious. In fact, I was recently “scolded” by some prominent emerging folks for posting my own critiques of specific aspects of the movement, which really shocked me. I felt confused and hurt by that experience.

To that end, I was curious as to what others who did not identify with the emerging church and had critical (in the evaluation sense, not the negative sense) concerns with it had to say about it. I wanted to understand for improvement sake, not defensively confronting any differing views.

So, I didn’t assume anyone was offended. Rather, since I was challenged about the intentions and assumptions of my question, which again was not answered, I wanted to make sure that any misunderstanding hadn’t caused offense- thus “Sorry IF I offended you”, no sarcasm intended.

I guess tone is lost in this medium and I came off as defensive when I only intended gain a better understanding. I hope this helps clarify.

As to the the ad shown above, it certainly wouldn’t be my taste. However, meeting with several women who are involved in Emergent Village in a leadership capacity, there are many in that group who would (and do) find this image very appealing- personal, attention to detail, etc. Again, not my taste and perhaps more thought should have gone into choosing it. I would like to know more about how the event goes.

Peace,
Jamie

“Oh look! It’s crowning!”

The picture is sad-assed in my opinion, because it suggests intimacy, and gender-based steriotypical ideals when it should suggest a broader dialogue. A room full of such tables might have been a start, but there is still not enough room to prop up a decent pair of elbows.

You sound defensive yourself, actually: “If anyones [sic] question seems unwelcome, it seems to be mine.”

We clarified our position, and you think that means we’re offended?

“I never even came close to suggesting that questions are unwelcome.”

Maybe not, but you did say, “Alot of people here seem to really dislike or dismiss the emerging church (or more specifically, Emergent Village, which represents a small part of the larger conversation). I am genuinely curious as to why?”

You did not clarify that you were talking about comments made outside the scope of this blog post. You appeared to jump to the conclusion that, because we found this advertisement distasteful and were questioning it, we must dislike or dismiss the emerging church in general. And THAT is why I asked if questions are still welcome. If I ask a critical question and the response I get from someone who identifies with emergent is “why do you dislike the emergent church?” well, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. It kind of smacks of questioning any of Bush’s policies and a Bush supporter asking, “why do you hate america?”

“I am not saying people are wrong for their positions, even if they do dismiss or dislike the emerging church or EV. I simply want to understand why. Fundamentalist critics are fairly easy to figure out and dialgue with them seems fruitless most often. Here I expected a fair exchange of ideas.”

Well then don’t jump to conclusions about how we feel about the emergent church simply because we’re willing to ask critical questions about it. If we didn’t care about the direction of the Emergent church, we wouldn’t bother to ask and question.

What do you have to add to the discussion going on in this thread concerning the way this advertisement for a women’s conference comes across?

I did say I was genuinely curious. I never even came to close to suggesting that questions are unwelcome. If anyones quetion seems unwelcome, it seems to be mine. I was also referring to the larger commentary in the posts and comments of this blog, not just this particular thread.

I am not saying people are wrong for their positions, even if they do dismiss or dislike the emerging church or EV. I simply want to understand why. Fundamentalist critics are fairly easy to figure out and dialgue with them seems fruitless most often. Here I expected a fair exchange of ideas. Sorry if I offended you.

Peace,
Jamie

And the table metaphor that is to be explored? Could you really see that being used to advertise a regular or “men’s” Emergent conference?

Alot of people here seem to really dislike or dismiss the emerging church (or more specifically, Emergent Village, which represents a small part of the larger conversation). I am genuinely curious as to why?

Peace,
Jamie